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October 7, 2008 1:22:43 PM CDT

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The Battle to Baby-Proof the Family Dog

Posted Jun 2, 08 11:15 AM CDT in Glossies,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – For many couples today, dogs aren’t just pets, they’re the “first baby.” But that puppy love can cause problems when it comes to the second baby—the human one. Like any only child, dogs can react badly to new siblings, so a small industry has sprung up to make canines “baby ready,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

Training can include everything from real obedience work, to wandering the house with an empty stroller or playing tapes of babies crying. “When the baby comes, you are going to look at your dog for the first time as an animal,” said one trainer. “You will feel different about Fluffy.” And with good reason—the vast majority of those killed by dog bites are children.  

Source Wall Street Journal

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Dogs can interact with babies, but it's risky without proper training.   (Shutterstock)
"It's harder to be a dog today," said one trainer specializing in baby preparation.   (Shutterstock)
These days, dogs are often treated as the first baby, and like any child have trouble adapting to a new sibling.   (Shutterstock)
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